In the political drawing, sketched by resident Heraldartist Jerry Holbert, the man in the tub is asking Obama if he has tried “watermelon-flavored” toothpaste, tapping into a stereotype that has ties to slavery, and how African Americans were perceived by white people in the 19th and 20th century. As Theodore Johnson wrote in an article for The Huffington Post last year:

With such deep and persistent iconography, it’s no wonder that disparaging imagery of blacks’ obsession with watermelon can still be found in our society long after slavery and the minstrel period. And much like then, it is used to belittle African-American people and their achievements.

Clearly, the Herald’s approach to the cartoon, and choice to revert to a Watermelon-flavored toothpaste follows that logic, and has people calling out the publication online.

“This cartoon in today’s Boston Herald is racist and offensive. The Herald should apologize,” said Keith Boykin, a contributor with CNBC.

“Can’t understand why Boston has a rep [for being racist],” one person wrote, after retweeting the cartoon.

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